it's going to be driving the conversation on the fiscal cliff. we only have 25 days until the tax hikes and spending cuts start to take effect. here is the thing. this number came in much better than expected, don. so the bad part about this is that it may not motivate all those politicians on capitol hill as much as it may have, if it came in much weak er. this may not light the fire, so to speak. that could be the downside to the upside surprise to the number. don? >> alison, stick around. we'll get back to you as well. >>> from wall street now to washington where the white house is keep iing a close eye on today's numbers. brianna keilar joins us now live. good morning, brianna. >> reporter: good morning to you, don. we're still awaiting reaction from the white house and also from congssional republicans. they've long said at the white house, take a look at the trend of these nuchls over the month. so this number, paired with the last couple of months on its face, they will say the trajectory looks good, obviously more needs to be done. maybe